PISSARRO: Father of Impressionism at The Park Theatre

Ticket $15. Ask about ticket multi-packs.

“Exhibition on Screen: Pissarro: Father of Impressionism” is a documentary film directed by David Bickerstaff that explores the life and artistic contributions of Camille Pissarro, widely recognized as the “father of Impressionism.” Born in the West Indies, Pissarro moved to Paris where he discovered his passion for painting. By the age of 43, he had rallied a group of like-minded artists into a collective whose first exhibition in 1874 was met with critical scorn but resulted in the coining of the term “Impressionists.” The film delves into Pissarro’s role as a mentor and friend to many of the era’s most famous artists, including Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, highlighting his influence on the Impressionist movement. It makes use of Pissarro’s extensive archive of letters to his family, providing an intimate look at his personal life and artistic philosophy.

The documentary was filmed on location in France, at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, and the Kunstmuseum in Basel, offering exclusive access to the most comprehensive archive of any Impressionist painter. This access allowed for a detailed exploration of Pissarro’s artistic techniques, his social and political views, and his dedication to the Impressionist cause for over four decades. Critics have praised the film for its in-depth look at Pissarro’s life, with the Sydney Herald calling it “the most extensive documentary ever made about one of the most significant artists in history.” The film not only celebrates Pissarro’s contributions to art but also underscores his role in shaping modern art through his commitment to capturing the “sensation” of the moment, a key principle of Impressionism.